With Open Eyes

Written For Stories From The Jukebox

Photo by Ashraf Abdelalim on Unsplash

Prompt for: Stories from the Jukebox

Prompt by: MJ Polk and Stoic Sisterhood by Janet Shan

Prompt #40 : Redemption Song by Bob Marley

Kane stood with his head held high, feeling the powerful rays of the sun wash over his body. It had been such a long time since he had felt warmth build and prepare him. He opened his eyes in quiet anticipation. Kane looked out over the crest of the sand dune at the iridescent waters reflecting the gentle push of the wind as it sent ripples rushing towards the shore, breaking over the bodies of those who stood in their path. He grinned as their giggles and laughter warmed his body in ways the sun could never do.

“God this feels good,” he said aloud as his words were carried on the breeze. Sea gulls floated by, rising and falling on the currents. He looked off towards the point where the island jutted out into the lake, noticing the calmness on one side of the island and the waves rollicking on the other. Rough in places, calm in the other.

“Just another aspect of life.”

The sand whispered in the way sand does when the wind whistles through it. He listened carefully before turning his attention elsewhere.

“Kane.”

Kane looked around for the whispering voice. Hearing no more words he returned his thoughts to the picturesque scene before him. He watched a water skier start to be pulled up by the boat then suddenly flop headfirst into the wake with a tremendous splash. He reappeared waving his arms and spitting out water, grabbing for the tow rope and his skis. Once adjusted the skier settled back into a familiar pose.

“”You need to keep your feet together,” he quietly urged the skier. With a wave and thrust of the motor, the skier rose right on schedule much to the delight of everyone watching his attempts. “That’s it,” Kane said enthusiastically. “That’s how you do it.”

“Kane.”

“Go away,” he muttered without looking. “I am done with you.”

He watched with wonder the swimmers floating on their air mattresses enjoying themselves with a cold one. Serious conversations were held and then laughter followed. Suddenly a snorkeler appeared holding up what appeared to be an old blue bottle.

“It’s a lucky find,” Kane thought, knowing the sand in the lake would have covered almost everything that had been dropped there for centuries. “Must’ve had the sand washed away from it,” he reflected. “I may have to go snorkelling later to see if I can find the motor that fell off the back of a boat years ago.” He remembered it as if it was only yesterday. “No one found it then but maybe the sand has been washed away.”

“Kane, we’re here.”

“No,” said Kane with some vehemence. “You are not here. You are not anywhere.”

Kane watched as a large boat sailed across the shoreline, picking up speed on the wind as it tacked, sending up plumes of water. The sails rippled, snapping now and then in the breeze. The crew worked together setting the tension, maintaining their hold to give the boat more power.

He looked into the distance and watched other boats zigging and zagging, performing their little movements with poetic grace.

“Kane, you have to face us,” interrupted his focus on the boat maneuvers.

“I most assuredly do not. I thought I made it crystal clear that you no longer were part of my conversations. I have grown. I have changed. I am no longer the servant to your thoughts and whims.”

“Kane, you do not like change. It creates uncertainty. It is the chaos you thrive on.”

Kane smiled in a knowing way. “I am pulling my life together. I have grown. I am comfortable with who I am.”

He looked at the trees that anchored the sand to keep it from moving around too much. A smile graced his face.

“Kane.”

“No.” he said abruptly. “I have grown stronger,” he said triumphantly. ”I am no longer the Kane who once listened to voices. I have freed my mind from those thoughts and feelings and learned to see my life in a new and interesting way. The observations I have had today I would never have had with the old Kane. All I‘ll ever have, from now on, is the freedom to live my life the way I see it. I am redeemed.”

“Kane,” said the voice sadly as it faded.

“Kane,” a new voice spoke from the bottom of the dune. “Come on down so you can try waterskiing.”

He smiled a broad grin. “Gladly,” he said as he walked down to join his family.

“I’ve never felt as alive as I do right now,” he said triumphantly as he picked up a lifejacket. “I haven’t skied in twenty years. This should be fun!”